I fell into a pattern for the next week. I would wake up, meet Jesada at the academy, she would mentally kick my ass ass day with quizzes and trivia until I would ride back home on Luna and pass out just to do it all over again. Jesada was nice though, she was definitely determined, she was relentless with my training and we hadn't even picked up a sword or anything yet. I was slowly learning about her, she and her dragon seemed old school, they didn't take short cuts and they didn't like to be questioned. Even Luna admitted she as struggling with the new training. I made sure to call my parents a few times, each time getting more and more nervous about the end date approaching and how I would have to begin up the subject of my return home to the Queen. I was running out of time, I had to go soon, I couldn't stay here forever.

I arrived at the academy but it seemed way busier than it normally was. People were running around and no one was paying attention to anything other than themselves. Two men passed me carrying a long stretch of wood and it hit me square in the chest knocking me to the ground. It had hurt. A lot. The men didn't notice they kept moving while I curled into a ball clutching my chest.

What the fuck?

"There is no training today," a hand entered my vision, but I did not grab it. I held my throbbing chest as the pain seared viciously.

"W-why?"

Jesada squatted beside me," Today is the Dragon Championship."

Dragon Championship? Oh, that race thing.

"Are you hurt?"

"Yes."

"Will you die?"

"Feels like it," I stretched out slowly the pain dulling.

"You will survive," she stood up. "I must go and get ready."

"Are you in the race?," I asked sitting up.

"Yes. I am in the competition."

My chest felt better, but it was relative to the massive pain I had felt moment ago.

"So, do you think you'll win?," I looked up to her.

"Perhaps," she held out her hand again and this time I accepted and I stood up.

"Where is Luna?"

"She went to go and find Cewios."

"She will not find him. He is getting prepared."

People were bustling past us, shoving me without noticing. "Have there always been this many people here?"

Jesada smirked," No. They have come to watch. That is where you should be. Find Luna and go find a space to watch. I must go," Jesada quickly faded into the crowd and I stood there like an idiot.

Okay... I could stay or we could go back to the castle and sleep. Sleep! SLEEP!

"Today is a free day," I felt a smile creep onto my face.

"What does that mean?," Luna asked curiously.

"It means no training and we can leave."

"Why would we leave? Today is the day of the Championship."

I groaned aloud," But we don't need to train," I whined.

"I would like to stay, my friend will be in the race."

"Friend? Which friend?"

"His name is Tikk."

"Oh! It's a boy!"

"Yes, he is male."

"And you like him?!"

"He is a friend," Luna responded obliviously to my words.

"Forget it... fine, we can stay... Meet me out front.

I met Luna and we made our way to the large crowd of people. It reminded me of a carnival, there were kids and some vendors selling stuff, laughing and talking. I saw a large flare of fire in front of the crowd. It was a light green dragon, and for a moment I was nervous and thought perhaps here was a problem, someone was fighting. It reminded me of Pustrei. But the crowd cheered happily a voice called loudly "70 feet".

"This must be Flame challenge," Luna said.

"What?"

"It was explained to me that this contest has many stages, they test the heat of the dragon fire, how far the flame reaches, the strength of the dragon, the durability of their scales. It is very extensive."

"But why? So some guy can say he has the best dragon?"

"That does seem to be the initial point. But trainers are tested too, their strength and skill and then they are all rated. I believe the top ten pairs race through the course and that determines the winner."

"Sounds like the Olympics."

"What is that?"

"Nevermind," I chucked.

Next dragon up was large and red, a dragon we were all too familiar with.

"Look, it is Razor," Luna told me.

"I see him," I looked around his feet and low and behold, there was Collin. He looked confident and happy, the crowd cheered excitedly and he waved to them, enjoying his time in the limelight. I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes, go figure.

Razor puffed out his chest and let his fire erupt, it was blinding and the heat was intense. It was so much i had to close my eyes until it faded away. I opened nd saw the beaming boy and proud dragon as he announcer called out their score or 85 feet.

"They are very good," Luna said.

I didn't respond and we watched more and more dragons approach and preform their flame test.

"I wonder were Jesada is."

"Perhaps she is preforming a different skill."

"We should find her," I said and I walked away from the flaming dragons.

Now that I knew what I was looking for, I could see very clearly all the demonstrations and trainers with dragons practicing for the competition. I was having a fun time, Luna and I were strolling past a blue dragon whole was having his scales tested when I saw Jesada. She was standing in a group of elves and she was smiling. I had never really seen her smile, I had seen her smirk at me but never a real smile.

"She must be having a good time."

"It would appear so."

"We should leave her alone," I steered Luna to the right and from across the large space, I saw Corin. He did not see me, he was busy focusing on his dragon and by his side stood Tholus with a bucket. I began walking toward them, Corin sounded angry when i got close enough to hear him.

"...and then you forget the brush! Boy, you have been nothing but useless!"

I stopped a few feet away, anger bubbling inside me. How can he be so cruel to him. He is just a kid!

Corin reached in the bucket, and just as he did Tholus saw me and smiled excitedly. He reached a hand up to wave, but the bucket was too heavy and fell to the ground spilling it's contents.

Corin jumped," You stupid orphan bastard!," Corin raised his hand and slapped Tholus across the face hard.

I reached my boiling point.

"HEY!," I stormed up to him.

Corin was not expecting me," Final Rider...," his anger was still visible on his face but he tried to conceal it with a cheap smile. "How lovely to see you again."

"How dare you hit him like that!," I stood between Tholus and Corin.

"Alyson," Luna was in my head but I was ignoring her.

"You have no right to put your hands on him!," I shouted.

"In fact, I do. He is my property."

"He's just a kid!"

Corin smirked," but he belongs to me. BOY!," Corin looked around me. "Get another bucket."

Tholus nodded and scurried away while my anger was building.

"It's not fucking right," I said through gritted teeth.

Corin smiled smugly," You certainly have grown attached to the little slave, haven't you?"

"Don't call him that!"

Corin looked me up and down," I call him whatever I like."

"Alyson...," Luna tried to calm me.

"You do not know this world, Rider. This is my world, I own it."

"You don't own him!"

"I do. I own him. He is mine."

The fact that Corin was so calm only made me angrier. He acted like Tholus was nothing, but he was person, a living person who didn't deserve this. He should be able to be a kid, run and play, not some servant to this pig.

"I see this angers you," Corin cocked an eyebrow, but before I could respond he continued. "I will make a deal with you."

Deal? Why would I make a deal with you?

"I have never lost the Dragon Championship. If I lose, I will sell Tholus to you."

Sell him? To me?!

"I... I don't want to own him. He shouldn't be owned."

"Well," Corin shrugged," when he is yours, you may do as you like. Free him or keep him, it will be your choice."

Tholus ran back up to Corin with a fresh bucket filled, and Corin scoffed at him.

"Boy, finish cleaning Valor" Corin stepped away and then glanced to me. "But if I win, and I will win," he whispered. "You..," he paused and then the idea struck him. "You will take his place."

"EXCUSE ME?," I widened my eyes and stepped back.

Corin loved my reaction, I saw the twinkle in his eyes. "I said you will take his place."

"Wait, wait, wait. You mean, I would be your slave? Are you fucking insane."

"Such profanity. You will be punished if you do that as my servant," he smirked again, feeding off my disgust.

"Alyson, this is not wise," Luna sounded worried.

"I won't be your slave, you psycho!"

Corin chuckled," Not forever, no. The Queen would never allow it... A Dragon Rider to be a slave, she would never have it. Perhaps for just a day," his eyes slowly scowered my body again.

"What the fuck is wrong with you? Are you dumb or something!?

"Alyson!," Luna interrupted.

"I would think you would like this idea," Corin sounded disappointed.

"Like this!? you think I want to be your fucking slave? Are you serious?!"

Corin stepped towards me closing the space between us," Yes. You see either way, the boy is given a break. He is either freed or gets the day off, which would be better then the work I have prepared for him," Corin looked over his shoulder to Tholus. He was scrubbing Valor vigorously, cleaning him as hard as he could. "Such a shame," Corin muttered.

"What is your deal?," I asked bitterly. "Why are you so cruel to him? And what is your creepy obsession with me, I'm no even half as pretty as the girls here."

Corin chuckled in the back of his throat, it was repulsive to hear. "I do whatever I want, Final Rider, something you will learn. As for you... it is not your appearance that intrigues me, it is your title. So... do we have a deal?"

How can I agree to this? to be slave? I... I can't. My eyes drifted to the small boy who was practically rubbing his hands raw on the scales of the dark dragon, he's probably never had a day off in his life.

"Alyson, this is not wise," Luna lowered her head beside mine. "I do not trust him."

"I don't either... but this is about Tholus. If he loses, Tholus could be free."

"But he has never lost."

"Maybe Jesada can beat him..."

"Alyson, I know your heart aches for the child, but this is bad. Please do not do this."

"Having second thoughts?," Corin asked smugly.

"Shut up."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. You shouldn't be so rude to someone offering you a deal." Corin took a step back and suddenly he kicked the back of Tholus' knee, causing him to topple to the ground. "THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, BOY," Corin screamed down at him. "Now you must start over, and be quick about, Valor will be presenting soon," Corin said coldly and then kicked the bucket over. "NOW GO GET MORE BOY! NOW!" Corin raised his hand to hit Tholus, but this time it was a closed fist

"Stop! Stop it!," I stepped between them again and Corin stopped his arm.

"Does this mean you accept the deal?"

"Yes! Yes, I accept, just leave him alone."

Corin lowered his arm," Perfect. I will see you when I cross the finish line... in first place," he grinned and I shivered. "Boy, go," he said without turning from me.

Tholus ran off again and I shook my head in disgust," You're disgusting."

"Soon you will not speak to me in such a way," he winked and turned away from me. I just stood there staring at him, practically shaking with how mad I was.

"Alyson..."

"I know! I know, I shouldn't have done that! GOD I'M SUCH A FUCKING IDIOT," I turned and went to storm away but just across the pathway, was Quinten.

He was looking right at me, his face was like steel, practically expressionless. Beside him Erea was watching us too. FUCK THEY JUST SAW ALL OF THAT! I turned away from them and practically ran away.

"Alyson, it is not so bad, perhaps he will lose."

"He's never lost before Luna! What the fuck did I just do!," I said as I weaved through the crowd. "I just want to go home."

"I can take you back to castle if you want, but maybe we-..."

"NO! NOT THERE! I want to go home home, Luna! I don't want to be here anymore!"

"Alyson, it is alright. There is no need to panic, perhaps we should tell Jesada. Maybe she can help."

"No! No, that's a bad idea. We-... I don't know Luna. I don't know," I stopped and stood on the side of the moving crowd and Luna sat beside me.

"You have a good heart my rider, I know that is why you did what you did, but it was reckless..."

I closed my eyes," I know. It was fucking stupid!"

"FUCK! LUNA, WHY DID I DO THAT!?"

"Are you alright, Rider Alsyon?"

I opened my eyes to see Jesada walking to me, concern streaked across her expression.

I tilted the corners of my mouth up," I'm fine. Just... hot, is all."

"Yes, it is a very hot day," Jesada agreed.

"So... how is it going? Winning?" I asked her eagerly.

Jesada gave a small smile," This is not my time. Cewios and I have not qualified for the final race."

My heart sunk and at the same time it was beating faster than it ever had.

"Wait what?!"

"Cewios and I will not compete in the final race this year. Perhaps next year will have better skills," she joked.

SHIT SHIT SHIT! If Jesada isn't competing... who is going to beat Corin!? Who is going to get me out of this mess!

"Perhpas you should drink some water, you do not look well."

I slathered on another fake smile, something I was good at. "Oh, yeah , you're right. Don't want to get heat stroke or something," I followed her to get some water, but my mind was whipping like tornado as I tried to think of a solution, but none of seemed feesable.

"Maybe I should talk to Collin... he seemed to be doing well. Maybe he can beat Corin?," I told Luna in our private link.

"It seemed to me that you are Collin are not on the best of terms."

"We aren't. In fact, I fucking hate him, but I hate Corin more. Even if he wins, I don't think I'd be able to go through with it, to be his slave..."

"Here you are," Jesada handed me a drink.

"You... seem awfully happy...," I noticed Jesada smiling again.

"Today has been good," she looked down to the ground.

"But... you lost."

"I lost the race, yes... but I won something better."

"What does that even mean?"

Jesada just smiled," I will explain later, now we should find seats for the race. It is not for a while, but it will be hard to find them later."

Jesada was right, the seats for the final race were already full, we had to stand, but it wasn't so bad. Talking to Jesada was nice, she seemed different now that she wasn't being my mentor. She was nice, kind of funny, she reminded me of Mara, my friend back home. It was different from how I saw her in training, she was stern and relentless, but now she seemed carefree and joyful. Maybe she needed this day off more than me... I wish we just would have went to the castle... I wish I hadn't seen Corin... or Quinten.

"That is true. Quinten knows about this, perhaps you could talk to him," Luna suggested.

"No, I can't Quinten is mad at me... he's still upset... about everything..."

"You do not think he would help?"

"No... I think he would, but I can't ask him."

"Why?"

"I just can't."

A loud horn rang through the air, cutting into out conversation.

"That means the final race will start!," Jesada informed me giddily.

She seems excited...

I looked to the starting line, the dragons were assembling. I saw Corin and Valor and chills ran through me, even though there were most likely thousands of people here, it felt like he looked right at me. There were many other dragons I didn't know, and about halfway through the line, I saw Collin. Collin is racing? Shit... okay, maybe he can beat Corin... hopefully that big ego comes in handy and helps him win. Further down was Quinten, I admit I was surprised, I was not expecting him to be in the finals. Then I remembered the other day Corin had called him a "worthy opponent". Maybe I've underestimated him...

All in all there were about 20 dragons lined up, they all looked fierce and determined. I was nervous, my stomach felt like it was clawing to get out of my body and I couldn't stand still. Thankfully Jesada was too busy watching the line up to notice my odd behavior. The whole crowd went quiet, silence rang and then I saw the a girl stand front of the line while the Riders mounted their dragons, se said something I couldn't hear and then they were gone.

In a flash, the dragons were off the ground and soaring through the sky towards the city, it was almost unreal. They are so fast...

"Where are they going?," I asked Jesada as the crowd erupted.

"They circle Ilirea, then to the castle and back."

"Wow, that's a long way."

"Wel, it takes a lot to be the Dragon champion. When I made it to the finals a few years back they had 'surprises' along the way."

"Surprises?"

"Yeah, like people try to attack you, spells, just unexpected things to throw you off."

"Yikes."

"It really is fun," Jesada smiled at the memory, misreading my tone.

I looked off towards the city, but the dragons and their riders had disappeared while the crowd had died down awaiting their return.

"Jesada..."

"Yes."

"Who do you think will win?," I asked nervously checking to see if the dragons were on their way back.

"It is not known. Rider Corin has won every year for near 10 years, but I am hopeful that Iuore will win this year."

"Iuore? Who is that?"

Jesada smiled and looked to the floor, almost as if she was blushing," He is a friend."

The crowd got louder and I turned to see the flecks of color growing closer.

"Iuore rides Getre, the large blue dragon," Jesada pointed to the dark blue speck growing larger and larger. His shade was similar to that of Saphira, which made me wonder where Eragon was.

Isn't he like a celebrity? Shouldn't he be here?

"It is odd that I have not seen him or Saphira," Luna mentioned.

The crowd roared as the herd of dragons zipped past us in such a rush that their wind blew my hair all over the place.

"Who was in first?," I asked.

"It looked as if Razor and Collin were in the lead," Jesada told me. "But there is still time."

Still time for Corin to win, I thought dreadfully.

"Perhaps Collin will win, or maybe Quinten," Luna said.

"Anyone would be better than Corin," I thought nervously.

"Who do you wish to win, Rider Alyson?," Jesada asked.

"Anyone but Corin," I admitted.

Jesada furrowed her brow," Why is that?"

"Complicated," I muttered and peered past her to the castle, but there was no sign of the Riders.

"Hey, Jesada?"

"Yes?"

"Where is Cewios?"

"Oh, he is taking a slight break, the trials really wore on him this year."

"Oh, that's too bad," I admitted. "And where is Eragon?"

"Eragon?"

"Yeah, shouldn't he be here? Aren't dragons like... his thing?"

"I'm sure he is here, just hidden."

"Really? I haven't seen him and we've been here all day."

Jesada thought for a moment," No, I have not seen him. Perhaps he did not attend... that is quite unusual for him."

"Why do you th-..." I was interrupted by the crowd rising up.

Jesada and I both turned to the castle and saw the growing shimmers of dragons. Jesada clapped and cheered loudly, screaming words in some other language. My heart was racing as I stood practically petrified by the sight of the approaching Riders. Who's first? Who's first? I watched as the dragon whipped past us again at record speeds.

"Who won?! Who was it!?," I yelled to Jesada.

"I believe it was Collin," Luna told me.

"I think Iuore was in front," Jesada smiled happily.

Who the fuck just won this thing? I stood on my tip toes to see through the pulsing crowd. Outstretched hands and large scaley bodies blocked my view. Who is it?!The loud horn rung through the air again and the crowd simmered and I finally could see that the Riders had returned to the starting line.

"WHO WON!?," I shouted impatiently.

"Ioure!"

"Collin"

"And this years Dragon Champion: Rider Corin Vallois!," A voice boomed into the air so loudly and clearly, it felt like it had cu into my eardrums. I covered my ears quickly and involuntarily, the sudden noise had been too much.

Fuck, why is it so loud! They should really warn-... My thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. Corin won. OH NO!

I shot up quickly and saw him standing and waving to the crowd, and again it felt like he had somehow spotted me and I felt as if I might vomit.